Surgical management of obstructive sleep apnea

Nasal CPAP is and should be the first-line treatment for OSA. Any physician who uses nasal CPAP undoubtedly recognizes that this treatment modality has limitations, however. The authors believe that surgery offers a viable alternative to nasal CPAP in patients who are intolerant of nasal CPAP. Potential risks and complications must be explained fully to any potential surgical candidate. The selection of surgical procedure(s) should be determined based on a patient's airway anatomy, medical status, severity of sleep apnea, and his or her desire and preference.